Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I thank everyone for their contributions to the debate on the condolence motion concerning the passing of Nancy Wake. I wish to add some views from the perspective of the mid-North Coast and convey the thoughts of many people who knew Nancy Wake well during the 14 years that she lived in Port Macquarie, when she was in her early 80s through to her early 90s, before she moved to France and London to live her final days.

Many people have spoken about Nancy Wake recently and books have been written about her by the likes of Peter FitzSimons. Many people have expressed enormous respect and regard for her efforts throughout World War II on behalf of the French Resistance. In France, her name is held in as high regard as that of Cadel Evans. Many within Australia probably do not recognise the absolute regard with which Nancy is held in both France and England. She is a true hero in a time when the term 'hero' is thrown around all too easily. She is and was the real deal.

I had the pleasure of knowing Nancy personally throughout her 80s and early 90s. She lived in a third-storey unit on William Street in Port Macquarie, very close to the town centre. She lived independently and would shop on her own. She negotiated the stairs and got herself downtown with very little assistance for as long as possible. I heard the term 'feisty' used to describe her on many occasions and I can confirm that that was absolutely true. She would show respect to and expect it from all comers, regardless of their authority, position or, in military terms, rank. For those who knew her well it was good fun at times to watch her pull up people who did not observe the common courtesies of life. She would certainly not let those moments pass but would remind people that those common courtesies matter, regardless of who you are.

As previous speakers have mentioned, she was a woman with a great interest in all things military and all things political. Despite not being successful in her bid for election as an MP, as we see so often in Australian life, she held some very strong views and found many ways to very effectively express those views. On the subject of immigration, she was strong in her view that Australia needs to make sure it supports and protects Australians first. It might not be a view that is widely regarded amongst politicians today as we deal with the very difficult issue of immigration, but Nancy was certainly very eager to say that we should not leave anyone behind when it comes to skills and education. She felt we should do everything we can to support and enhance the lives of Australians first.

There are many locals in Port Macquarie who will miss Nancy Wake. Many stayed in touch with her when she went to what she considered her spiritual homeland, in France, for her final days. I know there are a lot of people grieving as they recall some very fond memories of a great woman.

On behalf of the whole mid-North Coast community, I say a very big thankyou to Nancy Wake. She is a true hero, as I said before. I hope she is not someone who comes to be seen as being of a bygone era that we will never see again. I hope that we celebrate her passing and that there are lessons learnt about things such as common courtesies and being fearless in your defence of and bearing witness to the things that matter. Her spirit is one to behold. Whilst many place great emphasis on her efforts as the White Mouse in the French Resistance, at a deeper level what I hope we really celebrate are the spirit of Nancy Wake and the values that she carried. She talked quite proudly about how she loved killing Germans, and while on the surface it might have seemed hate-filled what in fact was at the heart of it was love. Her true love of her fellow man was that if she saw injustice she was willing to go into battle and fight on their behalf against the injustice. I hope that is the celebration of her life and the lesson learnt for future Australians.

We mark the passing of Nancy Wake. Hopefully, she will be regularly remembered both within military circles and in broader Australian life. Like others, I say 'Vale' to Nancy Wake. Your time on earth was well spent. It was certainly a crowded hour. Her spirit is one that I hope all of us try and live up to. Well done on a life well lived.

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